Press Room

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Pressroom is for use by the working press. Here, you will find The Art of Good Taste press releases and images available for media reproduction. For additional press information, or if you would like to be added to our press list, please call 901.544.6208 or send inquiries to pr@brooksmuseum.org.

Recent News

June 25, 2008

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is pleased to announce our most successful Art of Good Taste season ever!  The 2008 California Dreamin’ events broke all revenue records and budget goals to make for one of the most exciting wine seasons in Brooks’ history.

As the premier fundraising event held each spring at the Brooks, The Art of Good Taste has grown from a single wine auction started in 1990, to five main events: The Fleming’s Wine Dinner, Brooks Uncorked, Patrons Dinner, Grand Auction, and a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch.

Wine lovers from across the South attend The Art of Good Taste auctions in support of the museum.  Over the past eight years, these wine events have contributed $2.5 million to fund the museum’s programming, travelling exhibitions, and ever-expanding permanent collection.
 
This year The Art of Good Taste raised $618,000 – more than a thirty percent increase from last year’s gross revenue.  Approximately seventy cents of every dollar raised goes directly to fund the dynamic art exhibitions and educational programs hosted by the museum.

“We are so pleased with the new level to which these events have risen,” said Assistant Director of Development Jordan Barré.  “Over the next two years or so, we hope to become part of the circuit of wine auctions that enthusiasts from across the nation attend.”

2008 Rockstars
The Art of Good Taste attracts renowned chefs and prominent vintners from around the world!  In 2008 we celebrated the Golden State with a California Dreamin’' theme, welcoming a host of Central Coast celebrity vintners including: Jim Clendenen, Owner of Au Bon Climat; Gary Burk, Owner of Costa de Oro; Greg Linn, owner of Ambullneo; and Jeff Fink of Tantara Winery.  We were also pleased to welcome Ansley Coale, co-owner and founder of Hangar 1, who led our March 7th Vodka Tasting.

The Art of Good Taste also boasted a group of acclaimed chefs who presented a delightful array of food to compliment the wine at each event.  This year’s chefs included Wally Joe, Executive Chef of the Brushmark Restaurant in Memphis; Celina Tio, Executive Chef of the American Restaurant in Kansas City; and Dean James Max, Owner of 3030 Ocean in Ft. Lauderdale.

Auction Highlights
One of the things that set this year’s auction series apart was the inclusion of two professional auctioneers from Hart Davis Hart, Ben Ferdinand and Christopher Klingenstein, who were gracious enough to donate their time.

Guests also had the opportunity to bid on some incredible items: 

• A 2008 Acura MDX sold for $49,000

• A trip for four to Japan with Memphis icon Jimmy Ishii went for $16,000

• A trip to New York to dine at Alto Restaurant with wine provided by wine
  collector Tom Black sold twice for $10,000

In addition to trips and luxury items, a beautiful selection of art was offered.  One of the highlights was when a Michael Eastman photograph – which is currently out of circulation, and was donated from the artist’s private collection – sold for $21,000.

As with any good wine auction, the focal point for these auctions was definitely on the wine!  Celebrity vintner Jim Clendenen went above-and-beyond when he agreed to donate a trip to his vineyard to the auction, allowing six lucky couples to travel to Au Bon Climat, stay at Rancho la Cuna, and make a barrel of wine blended by the 2008 winemakers for The Art of Good Taste.  This lot went for $22,000.

In addition to this, Clendenen donated a trip for four to the Central Coast, a stay at his ranch, various wine dinners, and the chance to make half a barrel. This lot went for $24,000.  Greg Linn of Ambullneo also joined in the generous spirit and donate another barrel of his wine, bringing another $24,000.
 
The Brooks would like to thank its generous sponsors, patrons, and guests for the most successful season ever!  Though the 2008 auction series has ended, The Art of Good Taste continues to support the museum throughout the year with wine dinners, tastings, and quarterly Warm Up to Wine classes.  To view pictures from this year’s events please visit the Gallery.